Method for framing photographs

ABSTRACT

A method for framing photographs and similar pictures wherein an individual message or greeting is prepared for display in peripheral areas surrounding the photograph. The greeting may include designs which are individually computer generated to be displayed on a template surrounding the photograph using simple software programs.

RELATED APPLICATION

Reference is made to my copending provisional application, Ser. No. 60/499,083, filed Sep. 2, 2003 to which a claim of priority is made.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of picture frames used for the display of photographs and the like, and more particularly to an improved method for providing an individual message-containing display surrounding the picture or photograph which may be created by a user when the frame is assembled.

In the picture frame art, it is usual to provide a rectangular or other frame having a self-supporting means, a transparent cover sheet of glass or synthetic resinous material, and a planar insert or template which provides a background. The area surrounding the picture is usually white or monochromatic, but otherwise non-decorative. It is also known in the art to computer generate greeting cards and the like for particular occasions, the attractiveness of the same usually depending upon the skill of the user. Many people who use computers lack creative skills, as well as computer skills for such purposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the invention contemplates the provision of an improved method for individually personalizing framed pictures so as to provide a desired peripheral background and accompanying text which is stored in a database, the text being supplemented, where desired, so that the entire peripheral display may be viewed and presented to form a background insert surrounding the displayed picture or photograph. To enable a user to perform the method, the picture frame may be sold with an accompanying software disk and, optionally, a decorative template.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENT

With reference to FIG. 1 in the drawing, an assembled embodiment of the invention, generally indicated by reference character 10, comprises an outer frame element 11, a glass cover member 12, a template member 13, and the usual backing or support for the outer frame element (not shown).

The frame element 11 includes an upper peripheral frame member 20, side peripheral frame members 21 and 22, and a lower peripheral frame member 23, which when assembled, defined a corresponding groove 24 (FIG. 2) into which the glass cover member 12 is fitted.

The cover member is conventional with the exception that an inner frame 26 is provided, preferably by silk screen printing operation, although other methods known in the art may be used. The inner frame 26 is preferably applied to the inner surface 27 of the glass.

The template member 13 may be supplied with a printed background, or a variety of backgrounds may be data stored as part of the software which can be supplied to a user on a compact disc to be read into a database. In addition, standardized messages, as shown in FIG. 1 are also stored, and may be altered, or augmented at the will of the user when initially viewed on a display tube. Typically, the decorative display may include a showing of clouds in a blue sky, or the like, and the text portion is so positioned that it is printed in a peripheral area lying outwardly of the inner frame 26 in which the photograph is positioned. Once approved, the template is printed using the computer printer.

At this point, the completed device may be assembled, by inserting the cover glass into the outer frame element, and if not previously performed, the photograph is positioned to lie within the inner frame, using mylar pressure-sensitive tape, or other well-known means. Following this, the printed template is inserted so that the printed text portion is visible beyond the borders of the inner frame 26, and the back member of the frame (not shown) is positioned in well-known manner. The assembled frame is now viewable so that it forms a permanent greeting card.

It may thus be seen that I have invented a highly novel and useful method for providing a custom display of a photograph, which may be used by persons having relatively limited creative skills, by employing computer stored data. Only simple computer skills are required, as is relatively simple software, which may be reused by the user.

I wish it to be understood that I do not consider the invention to be limited to the details of structure illustrated and described in the specification, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. 

1. The method of displaying a photograph or similar picture steps of: a) providing a peripheral frame element with a transparent tionable therein; b) providing on an inner surface of said cover glass a smaller ding to the periphery of a print to be displayed; c) positioning said print within said smaller frame; d) providing a printed template corresponding to the size of having a legend on an outer surface thereof on at least one area rdly of said inner frame; and e) positioning said template and said cover glass within said element.
 2. The method in accordance with claim 1, in which said template is printed using stored computer data.
 3. The method in accordance with claim 2, in which said template is simultaneously printed with a decorative background.
 4. A picture frame comprising: an outer frame element defining a groove, a cover glass positioned within said groove, an inner frame supported upon a surface of said cover glass, and forming a border for a displayed print, and a template having a printed surface overlying said inner frame, said printed surface being positioned outwardly of said inner frame. 